Strange noises from your steering

Some vehicles develop problems in the steering system. The first symptoms are usually a low-frequency moaning noise when turning the steering wheel. The noise will frequently be cyclic like mww-mww-mww or a long continuous mmmmwwwwww. Often, the noise is most noticeable on the first drive of the day. More rarely, the noise does not develop until the vehicle has been driven for a while.

A more advanced symptom would be feeling a shudder in either the steering wheel or in the floor of the vehicle. The shudder is usually only felt in parking-lot maneuvers; the car is stationary and you are turning the wheel to maneuver into a tight space.

The most advanced symptom is very frightening. While making a gradual turn the steering wheel actually locks up for a moment. The natural reaction is to try and force through the locked condition, but you cannot. If you reduce the amount of the turn for just a moment, the steering wheel will release and continue back through the turn. Fortunately this severe symptom is very rare.

Correcting these problems is more of a process than a cut and dried solution. The first step is to flush the power steering fluid. A cleaner chemical is added, then a machine gradually replaces all of the fluid. On many vehicles this first step solves the problem. My wife has a Volvo, and twice I have thought that we would need to replace the power steering pump, but after the power steering fluid flush the noise was gone. However, on other vehicles the flush makes no improvement at all. It is recommended as the first step because it is the least expensive step.

Some vehicles have a power steering reservoir that is separate from the pump. Often times this reservoir must be replaced because a filter screen in the bottom of the reservoir has become restricted. This is most common on Chrysler vehicles.

If the above do not remedy the problem it is next necessary to replace some parts of the steering system. Some car manufacturers have published technical bulletins advising replacing power steering hoses, or adding an additional length of hose. These vehicles have a problem with the natural frequency – similar to a tuning fork – of the steering system. Changing the length of the hoses changes the natural frequency.

If the changes to the hoses do not solve the problem, or the manufacturer did not recommend changing the hoses, the last step is to replace either the rack and pinion steering gearbox or replace the power steering pump. Which component requires replacement varies by the type of vehicle. This portion of the repair process can approach $1,000.

Some vehicles have always had noisy steering systems. If your vehicle has always made some noise, and it is not too bad, you shouldn’t worry. You can ask your repair shop if they think the noise is usual for your vehicle, and if so, you need not do anything. If your vehicle has not made a noise and has now begun to make a noise you should have it checked. You need not rush out to get it checked; just wait until your vehicle is in for other services. If your vehicle has begun to shudder when turning, I would suggest having it looked at specifically for this problem.

Brian Klaubert has written for the Neighborhood News for five years, and owns Christian Brothers Automotive – Hamilton Mill on Braselton Hwy in Dacula. They have won “Best Mechanic” in the 2007 “Best of Gwinnett” award in Gwinnett Magazine.